With the COVID-19 outbreak, small businesses and their customers are facing unprecedented challenges. While caution must certainly be exercised, many small business owners are conducting business in new ways. From offering an online product demonstration to consulting with a key client, many are turning to virtual delivery methods to preserve revenue streams and strengthen customer loyalty.

Providing customer access to your products and services online can help buoy your business in turbulent times, while also establishing an additional delivery channel going forward. As you consider the move, keep in mind that protecting your company’s data and that of your customers must be a top priority.

You’ll undoubtedly experience some growing pains as you transition from face-to-face customer interactions to videoconferencing and telesales. But, with some persistence and commitment, you might find that your business emerges stronger than ever.

With an eye toward resilience and innovation, here are some ideas for adapting your business:

Embrace Experimentation

A great customer experience is the foundation of any successful business. However, moving your operations to cyberspace will require some practice as you explore new delivery methods. Know that your loyal and first-time customers won’t expect perfection in the early stages. There may be connectivity issues or camera glitches, but you should be able to iron out most of those wrinkles in no time.

One benefit of technology is the wealth of online resources available to enhance your knowledge. For every social media site or teleconferencing tool, there are numerous articles and virtual training modules on how to best leverage these applications to conduct business remotely. You can take learning one step further by enrolling in formal online classes. Watching how more established online businesses conduct training might give you new ideas for your own virtual services. Read More

It is important for employees to apply good ergonomic practices even when they are not in a traditional office environment. Whether working at home, in an office or while traveling, ergonomic risk from working at a computer can be reduced with proper posture, good work habits and appropriately adjusted equipment. The following tips should help minimize potential risk factors and maximize your personal comfort.

Table/desk

• Use a desk between  28-30 inches in height
• Desk thickness should not exceed 2 inches
• Allow for adequate leg room with a minimum of 18-inch depth and 24-inch knee width
• Desks should provide depth to place the monitor at least 18-20 inches from the user
• If a desk is not available, use a dining table with a height adjustable chair
• Refrain from using lap desks for long periods of time
• Refrain from working off of a kitchen  countertop
• Refrain from sitting on the floor and working

Chair

• Use an adjustable chair with the following features:
• Pneumatic height adjustment
• Lumbar back support
• Height adjustable seat back with locking function
• Adjustable depth seat pan
• Padded armrests that are height and depth adjustable with rounded edges (Optional)
• Consider sitting on a small, moderately firm pillow in order to place the seated elbow height at the level of the keyboard and mouse
• A thin pillow can be used to provide additional support to the lower back
• Refrain from sitting on very soft couches; they do not support the body evenly during extended sitting
• Stand, stretch, and/or walk after sitting every two hours Read More

Many employers have quickly responded to the calls of social distancing to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) by allowing or even requiring employees to work from home. In some cases, companies are contemplating the impact of working from home for the first time. For others, an increase in telecommuting workers is an extension of an existing flexible workplace model.

With unprecedented numbers of telecommuting workers, companies should evaluate the potential for new risks to worker safety. Employers should also implement procedures to ensure that their employees have a safe working environment at home.

Office Ergonomics

Moving from a traditional, ergonomically designed office space to a home environment can be challenging. Finding a suitable work area may be difficult, particularly where employees balance having many, if not all their family members, home during this time. Employees who work from areas like couches, kitchen counters and beds could increase their ergonomic risk. If they are able, employees should instead choose a dedicated workspace where they can work comfortably with good ergonomics in mind.

Other factors to consider include workstation setup, well-defined working hours, the ability to focus in the environment, and the use of breaks to move and stretch.

All these considerations are key to helping employees work safely, comfortably and productively in a home-based environment. Read More

When properties are left vacant or are unoccupied, there are proactive steps that should be taken to help prevent losses due to heating or electrical system malfunctions, water damage, vandalism or other causes.

Heating/electrical system

• Before the winter months, hire a contractor to inspect the heating system to ensure it is working properly to reduce any potential for freezing.
• If using LP gas, propane gas or oil heat, check the fuel level in the tank periodically to ensure it does not run out of fuel.
• Check the building regularly (at least once a week) to ensure the heating system is operating properly.
• If the heating system is to remain in service, be sure the electric power is not shut off since this will shut down the heating system. Because the electrical service will remain on, inspect the main electrical panel, wiring and outlets. Repair or replace any defective or deficient items.
• If the building is not to be heated, turn off the fuel at the main shut-off valve to reduce the potential for malfunction and explosion. Check the valve periodically to ensure it is working properly. If the electrical system is to be shut off, it should be shut off at the main circuit breaker and the breaker locked open.
• A chimney service should inspect and clean any chimneys to ensure they are free from obstructions, such as nesting birds. Install chimney guard screencaps to help prevent infestation.

Water damage

• If the heating system is a hot water system and is to be turned off completely, drain the plumbing system (or properly winterize it) to prevent damage from freezing.
• If the hot water heating system and/or water pipes will not be drained, install a waterflow sensor and low-temperature sensor to be monitored by the alarm system. Keep the thermostat at a consistent temperature throughout the winter months.
• If the water will not be turned off insulate the water lines that run along exterior walls so that the water supply will be less likely to freeze. If heat tape is used on piping, follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely to prevent fires. Open cabinet doors to allow heat from the room to get into concealed spaces. Drain and shut off outdoor water faucets to prevent vandalism and freezing damage. In residential structures shut off dishwasher and washing machine hoses to prevent serious water damage losses Read More

For many small businesses (especially retailers), inventory is a large portion of working capital investment and the company’s equity. Inventory losses (even minor ones) can have a great impact on both the value of the company and its profitability. It is important for small business owners to recognize what risks their inventory faces and develop ways to minimize losses.

Let’s look at four risks to small business inventory and what might be done to manage them.

Inventory Shrinkage
Inventory shrinkage occurs when the product amounts on hand don’t measure up to the amount that an inventory sheet says should be there. This can occur from poor record keeping, inaccurate physical counts, or theft.

Here are tactics small businesses use to reduce shrinkage:

• Limit access to areas where inventory is stored.
• Install security cameras in warehouses or storage areas.
• Designate specific employees to receive all incoming inventory. Develop a system for receiving that requires two more people to verify goods received.
• Recheck purchase orders, invoices, shipping receipts and signed packing lists before they are filed.
• Install a point-of-sale system to track outgoing inventory.
• Have all invoices verified twice against order sheets. Choose appropriate shelving that will allow easy access for stocking, counting, rotating stock and cleaning. Organize the stock area to allow for clear observation and easy movement.
• Run a full inventory on a yearly basis, at a minimum. Account for discrepancies that are discovered.

Loss of Perishables
If you have a business that offers food service (such as a restaurant, market, hotel/motel, senior living facility, or even a golf course with a snack bar), spoilage can lead to big losses in a short time. Improper inventory management and handling of stock are the chief causes of these losses. Read more

On average, more deaths occur in the U.S. each year from flooding than from any other type of natural disaster. While the majority of these involve vehicles being swept away, some are due to electrocutions. As water is a natural conductor, the risk of an electrical shock is heightened any time water and electricity are in close proximity. This makes the threat of electrocution during periods of flooding extremely high.

Before the Flood
If you live in an area where there is a possibility that flooding might occur, there are ways to minimize your risk long before bad weather shows up. Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) electrical outlets have been required for bathrooms for years.  But they can be used throughout a home with little to no alteration. GFCI outlets have a built-in circuit breaker that will automatically trip if the plug becomes grounded. This safety feature cuts off the flow of electricity.

When the threat of flooding is imminent, it is a good idea to turn off the power in your home while it is still dry. How should you turn off power at the electrical panel box? The panel box has circuit breakers for each circuit as well as a main shut-off switch. You should first flip each individual circuit breaker one at a time and then turn off the main circuit breaker.

If your breaker box is located outside or in a basement that might already be holding water, don’t attempt to turn off the power yourself. Contact your utility company and ask them to kill the power at the meter.
Until that can be accomplished, unplug all electrical devices. If possible, move them to higher locations in the house so they don’t become submerged or even by touched by water. Read more

Many small businesses have been hard hit by COVID-19. It’s not clear yet how long the pandemic will last, but when it passes, you’ll want to be ready for that much-awaited turn of the economic tide. Here are some actions you can take now to be prepared to reset and restart your business in the post-COVID world.

Review Customer Lists

Customer lists are invaluable for many businesses. They make repeat business possible, but only if they’re up-to-date. Make sure your lists have the business-critical information you need for each of your customers, including the customer’s name, address, mobile number and email address, and verify the accuracy of that information. Also eliminate duplicate records which could otherwise lead to duplicate marketing efforts on your part and impair your ability to service your customers effectively.

This might also be a good time to check in with your customers. Ask about their future needs and see if you can help them out in any way.

Connect With Suppliers

As you’re restarting operations, you’ll need suppliers that are ready, too. Check with your current vendors to determine their availability in the weeks and months ahead. Some may not reopen at the same time you do. Others may be unable to guarantee timely delivery of the products or services you require. Stay in touch and up-to-date while also preparing for supply chain contingencies. Reach out to new vendors, as primary suppliers may be unavailable. Read more

Construction equipment theft can be a big financial hit for a business, with long-lasting repercussions like loss of productivity, inability to complete contracts on time, and loss of income. Recovery efforts can be time consuming, expensive, and may not even be successful, resulting in potentially further financial impact when new equipment must be purchased. Prevention can be a low-cost strategy, and by following the tips below, criminals may be deterred from stealing expensive machines.

Secure Equipment Daily
Equipment that must stay on site can be immobilized at the end of the day by anchoring it with chains, removing the battery, and lowering blades and buckets. Park large machines in a circle, with smaller portable equipment in the middle, creating a barrier to protect the smaller items. Never hide keys inside the machine – they should be stored in a locked location on-site, or taken off-site. Light towers can also be an effective way to ward off intruders, since they draw attention to the equipment and make it easier to spot unusual activity.

Customize Your Equipment
If possible, make company equipment stand out with custom modifications such as a decal of the logo, a unique paint job, or custom stamped ID number. Equipment that is easily recognizable or that stands out to passersby will help to deter thieves and help with recovery if it is stolen.

Protect Equipment in Transit
Transporting equipment from one location to another presents an opportunity for theft, particularly if there is an overnight stop in an unsecure location. Plan routes carefully, and if an overnight is unavoidable, find a secure place to store the equipment. Additionally, keep the fuel levels at a minimum during transport, lock the unit to the transport platform, and remove the keys to further deter theft. Track the movements of equipment between job sites to ensure that it arrives at the location as planned. Devices like GPS trackers come with a cost, but can be worth the investment in the long run.

Keep an Equipment Inventory
Keep a detailed inventory of equipment, including the year, manufacturer, model, serial number, and any unique features of each machine. Take photos of machines from multiple angles and keep prints in the inventory catalog. Be sure to register every unit on a national database used by law enforcement, such as the National Equipment Register (NER), which may help in the recovery of stolen items. If equipment is discovered missing, report it as soon as possible to law enforcement – the sooner it is reported, the more likely it is that the machinery will be found.    Read More

As you begin to reopen or reestablish your business during the COVID-19 pandemic, you need to ensure your property is safe and functional for employees, tenants and patrons. Proper cleaning and disinfection procedures can help create a safe environment, provided you apply new considerations to established protocols. As you are developing overall COVID-19 response efforts, work to help reduce risk through PATH – Plan, Act, Train, Health. These core principles can help you to prepare your business to operate safely in today’s changing environment.

Review Pandemic (COVID-19) Protocols

It is important to prepare for potential future outbreaks of the virus. Also, tenants, employees or patrons may experience trepidation about being exposed to the virus while at your facility and may have questions you need to address. Be sure to create and communicate new policies and procedures related to the COVID-19 pandemic in a clear and timely manner.

Policies and procedures should identify the steps you are taking to address any potential spread of the virus. This should help ease the concerns of your tenants, employees and patrons and ensure their compliance with new guidelines.

Limiting Third-Parties and Building Capacity

Consider limiting visitors, subcontractors or vendors from coming to your site; however, if it is necessary for them to visit in person, be sure to inform them of any new requirements ahead of time. Also consider limiting building capacity in alignment with state and local public health guidance. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publication Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 may be helpful in supporting the review and development of your protocols. Read More